You were once a shining ocean

Shawn Smith was back in town this week, concluding his solo tour of the UK. He was last here just over two years ago with Brad; this tour gave him the chance to play live songs he’s written as a solo artist and as part of Satchel, as well as some Brad classics.

The gig was at Bush Hall, an enchanting venue that’s retained its Edwardian air, with its elegant candelabra and stuccoed interior.

Until you learn the meaning of trust

Shawn Smith has announced solo UK tour dates this spring, including a final date of the tour at West London’s enchanting Bush Hall that I’m really looking forward to attending.

It’s just a matter of time

Stone Gossard mid-groove

The third night of Brad‘s European tour last month saw them play in front of a full O2 venue in a wintry Islington.

Frustratingly I missed the first support act, Dan Glendenning. Back in the 1990s he was the lead singer of Headswim, a band who released two fine albums in the grungy, trippy Flood and the more introspective and oft-melancholic Despite Yourself. I could wax lyrical about Headswim for quite a while, but will spare you the verbiage (maybe another post one day); hopefully there’ll be another chance to see Glendenning live again.

A few years back, I saw thrash survivors Testament \m/ at the same venue; hirsute singer Chuck Billy orchestrated a full-on moshpit that energetically bounced, swirled and skidded round on a beer-soaked floor to some fast and furious riffage. Brad wasn’t quite the same. Although busy, we ambled to the front and occupied a prime spot centre stage, just in time for the next band.

Make the grey sky blue

Brad have announced European dates for February 2013.

The most famous member of Brad may be Stone Gossard, guitarist in Pearl Jam, but the heartbeat of the band is the talented Shawn Smith, a songwriter with a distinctive voice, eclectic influences and numerous projects – Brad, Satchel, Pigeonhed and his own solo material. Here’s his recent interview with the Sodajerker chaps.

Brad – who originally wished to be called Shame, only to find the name already taken by musician Brad Wilson – have been together for over 20 years, having released five albums (including debut Shame) and built up something of a cult following during that time. They also seemingly have links to just about every band to come out of the Seattle rock scene, most recently having recorded with Malfunkshun’s Kevin Wood, brother of Andy.